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AND ITS COAL FIELDS 



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BY W. E. W. 



One hundred years of freedom, 
In Freedom's holy land, 

Have blessed our glorious Ui.ion 
And linked us hand-in-hand I 



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r>57 



WILKES-BARRE,. LUZERNE COUNTY, 

PENNSYLVANIA. 




PUBLISHED BY WILLIAM E. WHYTE. 



INTRODUCTORY. 



" Who'll press for gold this crowded street, 

A hundred years to come ? 
Who"ll tread yon church with willing feet, 

A hundred years to come ? 
Pale, trembling Age and fiery Youth, 
And Childhood with his brow of truth, 
The rich and poor, on land, on sea, 
Where will the mighty millions be, 

A hundred years to come ?" 

One hundred years have rolled away since a small portion of these 
United States were colonies governed by a foreign power, and the 
centennial year of the independence of the great American Union is 
about to be celebrated in the grandest and most imposing manner 
in the history of nations. 

The dawn of a second century in the history of American inde- 
pendence is upon us, and still the American Union is intact, the 
American nation an established fact, powerful as the mother from 
which she sprung, she takes her place among nations, while the 
emblem of her nativity, the stars and stripes, is seen floating in the 
breeze on every sea and in every clime. 

And the result, what is it ? The result is truly wonderful ! It 
has proved that a man is capable ot self-government, that republics 
can be built up, and that civilization, enterprise and industry can 
be cultivated by them equally as well, if not better, than under a 
different form of government, to prove which, we are exhibiting to the 
universe, at our great World's Fair (a city in itself) now being held in 



THE CENTENNIAL OHBONOLOGY 



Fairrnount Park, Philadelphia, such works of art and industry as, 
will not only astonish foreign visitors but thousands upon thousands 
of our own citizens. 

Yes, " the result of American independence hr.s been truly won- 
derful," for, cast your eyes on the map, and what do you see from 
the Atlantic to the Pacific? A continent dotted with numberless 
cities, towns, villages and hamlets, inhabited by a progressive and 
intelligent people, where, but a few years ago, comparatively speak-, 
ing, the savage child of the forest, the Indian, roamed uncouthly 
clad in iantastic garments, and with his dusky face still more un-i 
couthly daubed Avith the war paint of his tribe, armed with rude 
tomahawk, spear and bow, intent upon nothing save war, plunder, 
pleasure and idleness— and all this, yes, all this! has been accom- 
plished in a brief century, a period but as yesterday compared with 
the history of far less progressive nations. 

" Wonderful" indeed ! The remark is well applied ; for has not 
thirteen States of 815,615 square miles, thinly populated with but 
3,000,000 of civilized beings, suddenly grown into thirty-eight 
vast and powerful States and nine territories, the latter soon to be- 
come States also, and into 3,000,000 square miles of territory with a 
population, no doubt, of upwards of 45,000,000 of souls, which, 
coupled with a vast seaboard of thousands of miles, and about 65,- 
000 miles of railroads, far more than double the circumference of 
the globe, cannot fail to astonish the world with the va&t progress 
the American nation has made in every respect during a century of 
time. 

But I am digressing, for this little volume is intended to treat of 
our county and not of the United States, but it occurs to me that a 
few remarks touching the progressive career of our great Republic 
have not been out of place. 

The County of Luzerne is the largest of all the sixty-five counties 
of the Keystone State, indeed, it may be termed a commonwealth 
in itself, being larger than the State of Rhode Island. It covers 
an area of 1427 square miles and has a population of nearly, if not 
quite, 300,000 inhabitants. It is celebrated for its vast coal fields, in 



OP LUZERNE COUNTY. 



the production of which it is the Banner county of the State, and 
in many other works of industry will compare favorably with her 
sister counties. 

Wilkes-Barre, the county seat, an important city of 35,000 in- 
habitants (more or less), is located on the east bank of the Susque- 
hanna river, is distant from New York about 175 miles and from 
Philadelphia about 150 miles, which points can be reached daily by 
no less than three different lines of railroad. 

In conclusion I would remark that as I purpose giving in this lit- 
tle volume, in chronological order, facts and incidents connected 
with the history of the county from its ea'rly settlement, then a part 
oi the territory of Westmoreland, and later of the County of North- 
umberland, up to the present time, a period (during its early years 
especially), so Jr aught with interesting and thrilling events, together 
'with other matter connected with the centennial year. I will not 
trespass further on your patience, but subscribe myself, 
Most respectfully, 

W. E. WHYTK 

Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne Co., Pa., ) 
July 4th, 1676. \ 



THE CENTENNIAL CIIRONOLOGY 



WHOLESALE AND RETAIL 

Wine and Spirit Merchants. 

W.E.WHYTE& SONS' 

€SH¥SH«tIM. 

si ml \$ 




(trade mark.) 



A Celebrated Tonic! 
WILKES-BARRE, PA. 

1^™ None genuine without the fac simile of oef 
signature. 




OP LUZERNE COUNTY. 



C&IiOJfOLOGICjlL EVEJfCTS. 



1776. 

"That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be FREE 
AND INDEPENDENT STATES." 

Settlements were first established by the whites* from the East and 
West in the beautiful Valley of Wyoming,! and as one hundred and 
twenty-five years have rolled away since civilization first trod the 
banks of the Susquehanna:}: river, and, as tnere are none living who 
can say I recollect old Wyoming when in its primitive state, those 
living can have but a faint idea ot its rapid rise and progress in its 
march towards civilization since the advent of the first white settlers 
upwards of a hundred years ago. 

But the most eventful period in the history of the territory now 
known as the County of Luzerne, we might say, commenced just a 
century ago, when it was a part of Westmoreland and when there 
were but few white inhabitants residing within its limits. Indeed, 
it was but a few years previous to this ever-memorable year that 
forty white settlers from the colony of Connecticut arrived in the 
Valley of Wyoming and erected a large block-house on the west 
side of the Susquehanna river, naming it Forty Fort, and waged 
war upon the Pennamites, so called from being adherents of the 
proprietary Governor, William Penn, each party striving for pos- 
session ot the beautiful valley, in which, however, the Yankees ^ere 
unsuccessful. 



*The first white man, it is believed, who ever visited Wyoming, was Count 
Zinzindorf, of Saxony, a Moravian missionary, from Bethlehem (Lehigh county), 
where a Moravian Mission was being established.— Hist Lack'a Valley. 

tlndian, Manghwauwame. +Seahautowano. 



TIIE CENTENNIAL CHRONOLOGY 



INMAN LINE. 
ROYIL MAIL STEI1E1S 

BETWEEN 

Europe and America. 

SAILING TWICE A. WEJEK. 



CITY OF BERLIN, CITY OP PARIS 

CHESTER, « ANTWERP, 

" RICHMOND, » LONDON, 

" MONTREAL, « BRISTOL, 

11 BRUSSELS, » NEW YORK, 

" BROOKLYN, " LIMERICK, 

Tickets to and from Queenstown, Liverpool, Londonderry, Glasgow, 
London, Cardiff, Paris, Havre, Antwerp, Hamburg, 
Bremen, Eotterdam, Amsterdam, Den- 
mark, ITorway and Sweden. 

Sight Drafts on Great Britain, Ireland and 
the Continent. 

VW For further information apply at the Company's Office, 15 Broadway, N. Y. 

JOHN C. DALE, Agent, 

Or to 

W. E. WHYTE, Local Agent, 

Wilkes -Barre, Pa. 



OP LUZERNE COUNTY. 



William Penn having purchased sometime previous of the In- 
dians the Susquehanna river and its islands, purchased again this 
year of them " the river and the land on both sides, extending east- 
ward as far as tiie heads of the branches or springs which emptied 
into it, and west of said river as far as the setting sun, and from its 
mouth as far as the endless hills, be the same more or less," — this 
deed was signed by twenty three Chiefs of the Six Nations* then oc- 
cupants of the Valley of Wyoming. 

The Chiefs of the Six Nations having" pledged their support to 
Great Britain in the war, as against the Colonists, the people found 
it necessary to build numerous forts so as to protect themselves 
against the combined attacks of the savage Indian and relentless 
Tory, yet, notwithstanding the serious besetting dangers at home, 
a large number of brave men whose hearts beat in unison with 
the cause, left the settlements and heroically marched to headquar- 
ters to battle for freedom, under him, who is now known as the 
Father of his Country, the immortal Washington. 

On the 26th of September, of this year, Pennsylvania became a 
sovereign State, and the territory of Westmoreland became a 
County, and one Jonathan Fitch, was commissioned as Sheriff, a 

♦The Six Nations comprised the Mohawks, Senecas, Onondagos, Oneidaa, 
Cayugas and the Tuscaroras; says Hollister, "a most powerful confederation, 
formidable in number, democratic in its organization and terrible in the exercise 
of its power. Its power war' absolute and "unquestioned, its government a limi- 
ted monarchy, vested in a Great Sachem or Chief, directed by a Council of Bravea 
and aged warriors noted for wisdom and bravery. Its ever-burning Council fire 
blazed from the plains of Oh-na-gu-go, while the edicts and wishes of the as- 
sembled Sachems carried to Manhattan's shores by runners, were known and re- 
spected even in the far-off region of the magnolia and palmetto. With a dialect 
whose strange intonations bewildered the ear of the white man, and whose 
tongue, destitute of labials, was so diverse and corrupted from the parent lan- 
guage that manv of the tribes living on the same stream could only converse 
through an interpreter ; with neither books nor charts ; with no history but the 
wigwam's lore, no guide but the moon's gray twilight, no valley was Bunk too 
far away in the mountains, no stream stretched its tranquil length through 
grounds too remote from the war-path to escape the notice of men clad in skins, 
who occupied and pave them a name." 

Other trilies are also identified with tne history of the Valley of Wyoming, viz : 
the Shawnees, Nanticokes and the Delawares. Of the latter the friendly Teedy- 
uscung was King, for whom and hie tribe the proprietary government built 
houses for their accommodation . 



10 THE CENTENNIAL CHRONOLOGY 



ALEXANDER McCUEN, 



DEALER IN CHOICE 



Wines and Liqnors, 



405 CHESTNUT Street, (above Fourth), 

PHILADELPHIA. 



ALSO, PROPRIETOR CF THE 

COTTAGE, 

Massachusetts Avenue, 



next door to Congress Hall Hotel, and adjacent to the Hot and Cold Salt Water 

Baths), 



A.tlantic City, N. J. 

Open dining the Summer Season, and constantly supplied with a du- 
plicate stock of the well and favorably known 
Chestnut Street Establishment. 



OF LUZERNE COUNTY. 11 



county seat was selected, county officers appointed, taxes levied, 
schools opened and supported, and other things done and perform* 
ed necessary to conducting the affairs of the new county. 

1777. — The assessments ot estates for the county of Westmore- 
land amounted to upwards of £20,000, independent of State, which 
was about £2,000 additional. 

Excepting the highway of the Susquehanna river, which was no 
doubt made use of in many instances, especially from certain points, 
Indian paths were the only thoroughfares whereby the settlers from 
the East or West could reach Westmoreland, until late in the eight" 
eenth century, when a rough road was constructed from the Hudson 
River to the Valley, which was the most direct route from the colony 
of Connecticut, and the Yankees usually frequented this rudely con- 
structed road in their journeys to and from the Wyoming Valley. 

In the Valley of Wyoming, and elsewhere in the county, old 
fortifications, and various relics have been unearthed which give 
unmistakable evidence that the country was at one time inhabited 
by a different class of people other than the American Indian of 
'76, a race superior in intelligence and habits, craftsmen of no or- 
dinary ability, manufactures of articles, rich in design, beautiful 
in workmanship and finish, workers in highly polished stone, of 
which, articles have been found buried, it is supposed, with the re- 
mains of some renowned warrior or some person otherwise famous, 
perhaps for good deeds on earth, " peace and good will towards 
men." There have also been found relics of a later period, those 
in use by the Indian, as known to our forefathers. They include 
rude stone vessels and mortars, flint arrows, pestles, stone toma- 
hawks and knives, together with other articles too numerous to 
mention, of which there are some very beautiful and interesting 
collections. In the Historical Museum, at Wilkes-Barre, is ex- 
hibited a very fine collection, but the most extensive collection, as 
I believe, are in the hands of two celebrated antiquarians, the 
Hon. Steuben Jenkins, of Wyoming, and Dr. Hollister, of Provi- 
dence. The former is now, and has been for many years engaged in 
writing a book on the history of the Valley and neighborhood, and 



1£ THE CENTENNIAL CHRONOLOGY 



(Successor to Saylor & Evans,) Wholesale Dealer in 

PROVISION 

Salt ITisli, &c, 



MUSIC HALL BLOCK, 



PiTTSTON, PA. 



OosnalBBion Meieiiant. 

CHEESE, BUTTER, EGGS 

CIDER, VINEGAR, BALED HAT, &c. 
SALT FISH A SPECIALTY. 



OF LUZERNE COUNTY. 18 



the latter is an author of considerate repute, his interesting 
work, " The History of the Lackawanift* Valley," having passed 
through three editions. It is however, anticipated that Mr. Jenkins' 
book will be the most complete and interesting of the many that 
have been brought into public notice, which include Chapman's, 
Stone's, Miuer's, Peck's, Pcarce's and Hollister's,f all of which, 
deserve much praise lor the very able manner and graphic style in 
which they are written. 

The Valley, nay, the county generally, in its early history abound- 
ed with rich and delicious fruit, even to the apple and plum, which 
were no doubt cultivated by the Indian, while the wild cherry, the 
berry and nut of various kinds were legion in their growth. 

And as the forest abounded with game of various kind, so did the 
rivers and lakes abound with the finny tribe, hence it is no matter 
of surprise why the savage was so loth to be separated trom a 
country so bountiful^ supplied by the Creator, and in excess of his 
natural wants, but, alas, does he not deserve to a very great extent, 
notwithstanding the blood-thirsty deeds he has so often committed, 
our greatest sympathy, yes, even now, in his far-distant home, he 
has to retire, as of yore, before the march of civilization ? as the 
11 star of Empire Westward takes its way." 

During this eventful year twenty tons of coal was shipped in two 
boats to Harrisburg, for the use of the U. S. Armory. 

A post-route established semi-monthly to Hartford Connecticut. 

1778. — The first Forge to manufacture bar iorn erected on Nanti- 
coke Creek. 

July 3rd, Battle of "Wyoming fought, in which " a combined 
force of British, Tories and Indians" committed the most infamous 
deeds on record, and it was not until the 22nd of October that 
the settlers were able to assemble on the bloody and fatal field to 
bury their much lamented dead. The Indians during this year 
scalped, killed and stole many of the settlers, who were always in 
dread of their clandestine visits. 

•"Indian, Leekaugbhunt. 

tFrom the pages of some of these works is gathered much of the infornmtion 
chronicled herein, 



14 THE CENTENNIAL CHRONOLOGY 

FRAZEf? BROS., 

TOJ^ Pine Street, NEW YORK, 

IMPORTERS, 

General Commission Agents, 

AND WHOLESALE DEALEKS IN 

FINE WINES AND LIQUORS. 

Bass' Ale and Guinness' Porter Specialties. 

No Stranger should leave town without visiting 

CAREY'S GREAT 

One Dollar Store, 

121 South Main Street, 

"Wilkes-Barre, Fa. 



JOHN WHARTON, 

235 SOUTH FIFTH STREET, (BELOW WALNUT), 

PHILADELPHIA, 

Choice Wines, Liquors and Cigars. 



OF LTJZEItNE COUNTY. 15 



1779. — The Indians resumed their visits to the Valley and com- 
mitted many depredations, when occasionally they met the chas- 
tisement they so richly deserved, at the hands of the much injured 
and peaceable settlers. 

Court held in Fort Wilkes -Barre, erected where subsequently stood 
the old log Court House, on the Public Square. 

The first Masonic Lodge at Wilkes-Barre was held in a military 
marquee on the river bank. Subsequently the A. Y. M. met Febru- 
ary 27th, 1794, in the " Old Fell House." 

In cousequeuce of the continued depredations committed on the 
settlers by the Indians and Tories, and to chastise them for the part 
they took in the battle of Wyoming, General Washington dispatch- 
ed General Sullivan, at the head of 3,000 men, to the rescue. He 
arrived on the 23d of June, below Wilkes-Barre, where he encamp- 
ed, and on the 3d of July he marched up the Susquehanna river, 
accompanied by 300 boats laden with provisions, burning and de- 
stroying all the Indian villages, the orchards and crops, belonging 
to the Six Nations. 

On the 8th of October, the army returned to Wyoming, and in 
two days resumed their march and encamped at Easton. 

1780. — Notwithstanding that Col. Zeb. Butler was in command 
of Fort Wilkes-Barre, who together with some military companies 
after Sullivau's army lett, guarded the county from attack, the sav- 
ages in small parties continued to harass the settlers, killing and 
capturing many. 

1781. — The Indians continue their depredations, killing, scalping, 
stealing and laying waste all that come within their reach. 

November Court, " a town tax was levied of two-pence in the £ 
to be paid in hard cash or in specific articles." 

1782. — Eight Indians in ambush in Hanover township, on the 
8th of July, killed John Jameson, and scalped him, and wounded 
Asa Chapman, who escaped to Wilkes-Barre, where he died next 
day. 

Says Pearce in his Annals of Luzerne : "On that day the last 
blood was shed, and the last scalp taken by the Indians, within the 



10 



TIIE CEXTENKIAL CHRONOLOGY 




:«r STAR-V 



Mctf^ 



Mmsfrr, 



J. R, C00LBAUSH & C0, 5 

Fine Boots and Shoes. 

%^~ Sole Agents for Burt's Celebrated Gen- 
tlemen's and Ladles' Wear. 

208 "West Market Street, 

WILKES-BAERE, PA. 



OP LUZERNE COUNTY. 17 



present limits of Luzerne County." That this was brought about 
by the treaty of peace with England, in whose interest the savage 
had enlisted to massacre the settlers, there can be no doubt, a sad 
and shameful blot in that portion of the history of Great Britain 
during the colonial war. 

1782.— The intervening years between '75 and this year, were the 
years that " tried men's souls" during which time the whole Valley 
was devastated by fire and sword, homes were made desolate, build- 
ings wantonly destroyed, the maimed and the sick, the widow and 
the orphan, the old and the young reduced to beggary and want, 
and to nothing save the indomitable will, the unflinching courage, 
and physical endurance of a few settlers, " chiefly the old and the 
very young, spared from the distant ranks of the Continental army" 
can be attributed the victories gained over their enemies. 

Says Pearce in his Annals of Luzerne : 

" The inhabitants of Wyoming suffered the horrors of war front 
" 17G8 until 1776 in rather its milder form, but during the Revolution 
" no people ever met with greater disasters. Upwards of two hun- 
r dred and thirty men, women and children were murdered and 
" scalped by Indians. About fifty others were carried away into 
"captivity, and eight or ten more were burnt alive. They suffered 
r from hunger, and cold, and disease, and imprisonment, and bon- 
" dage, and floods, and fire, and yet, true to their purpose they nev- 
"er thought for a moment of abandoning their charming valley." 

It was during this year that Commissioners appointed by Con- 
gress, settled the much vexed question as to the right of title to the 
lands so frequently contested between the Pennamites and Yankees, 
by decreeing in favor of the former, a decision the state of Connecti- 
cut submitted to very graciously, and thus ended a controversy 
which, lamentable as it was, can only be attributed to the double 
policy of King Charles II, by which land, which had been granted 

Note.— Wyoming Valley in the Indian tongue signifying large plains, is 
■twenty -one miles in length and will average three miles in width. It contains 
liO,000 acres of arable and wood land. The Susquehanna river occupies the cen- 
ter, and the mountains tower above it on either side to a hight of from 500 to 
J900 feet. There are several other beautiful valleys within the county, as also 
/mountains of more or less hight, the highest being North Mountain. 



18 THE CENTENNIAL CHRONOLOGY 



STANTON & HALLGCK, 

ONE PRICE CLOTHIERS, 

15 North Main S^eet, PITTSTON, Pa. 

Gent's Furnishing Goods, Hats, Caps & Furs. 

Jtilf Fine Tailoring a Specialty. 

ample 



35 and 37 SOUTH TENTH STREET, 

PHILADELPHIA. 

PINE WINES, BRANDIES, RUMS, GINS, WHISKIES, &c. 

WILLIAM ALLEN, 

DEALER IN 

8nUL 9 iff UBY, *•«, 

MAIN STREET, PITTSTON, PA. 

R. W. HAIGHT, 

Watchmaker ami Jeweler, 

NO. 118 SOUTH MAIN ST., 

_^ / iyii?i BARRE) PA - 

SOLE AGENT FOR THE BOREL AND COURVOISIER WATCHES. 

Careful attention paid to repairing Fine Watches, Clocks and Jewelry. Agent 

for Spencer's Diamond Spectacles. 



OP LUZERNE COUNTY. 10 



to the colony of Connecticut in 1662, was regranted by bis letters- 
patent to "William Penn in 1681, and hence the contest or " Penna- 
raite War." 

One Mary Pritchard was convicted and ordered to pay a fine of 
five shillings into the town treasury, for going away from her resi- 
dence unnecessarily on the Sabbath day, and at the same term a 
person found guilty of stealing was sentenced to receive ten stripes, 
to be well administered on the bare back, and another was sentenced 
to serve for two years the person from whom he stole a deerskin., 

1783. — Road wagons and other vehicles introduced to ride in. 

1784. — A terrible snow-fall, barricaded the inhabitants in their 
dwellings, which eventually was carried away by a heavy ice flood. 

1786, — The great " Pumpkin Flood" inundated the entire V««*"j 
and did much damage. 

On the 2oth September Luzerne county, then a part and parcel of 
the County of Northumberland, was formed, and so named in hon- 
or of the Chevalier De La Lucerne, minister from France to tbia 
country, during five years of our Revolutionary struggle.* 

1787. — May 27th, Justices of the Court of Common Pleas commis- 
sioned, and sworn in. 

1788. — Among the various minerals deposited in the county of 
Luzerne, tradition gives an account of GOLD. It is said to have 
been worked in considerable quantities by the Indians in a moun- 
tain overlooking Wilkes-Barre. Bald mountain is supposed to be 
the spot. None of the bright metal, however, has been found by 
the settlers to verify the traditionary account. Silver mines are also 
spoken of as located in Wyoming. 

Several salt springs are known to have existed in the Lackawanna 

valley, of which the Indians made good use, the richest of which, 

[writes Eollister, was located on the Nay Aug, and another in the 

Note.— The Susquehanna river, signifying in the Indian tongue broad shallow 
river, keeps on its meandering course for twenty-eight miles through the county. 

* "The original territory of Luzerne embraced 5,000 square miles, exceeding 
: in extent the State of Connecticut." 

" To perfect the boundary lines of Luzerne, in 1804, a portion of the north- 
western corner was annexed to Lycoming county, and in 1808 there was added to 
it a part of Northumberland, lying west and southwest of the Nescopeck creek." 
—Annals of Luzerne. 

I 



20 THE CENTENNIAL CHBONOLOGY 



The Oldest Established Ale and Porter Brewery in the County ! 



H. R. & I. HUSHES 



I 



B R EWE RS 9 

PITTSTOn, PA. 



Pale and Amber Ales constantly 
in stock, superior in quality, tone 
and flavor. 



We would call particular attention to 
our " Centennial Excelsior Stock Ale," a 
sample of which is exhibited by us at the 
World's Fair, Philadelphia. 



OP LUZERNE COUNTY. 21 



upper part of Leggett's gap, near Providence, from which the early 
white settlers of the Lackawanna and Wyoming valleys granulated 
salt for domestic use. 

A public highway across Luzerne surveyed by authority of the 
Legislature. 

Two persons were killed by Indians, at Indian Spring, near Cobb's 
gap, when fleeing from the Valley of Wyoming, while in the act of 
stooping clown to drink. 

In March of this year, five commissioners appointed at the ex- 
pense of the State, surveyed and laid out roads from the Delaware, 
near Stroudsburg to Montrose, then within the limits of Luzerne 
county. Years, however elapsed ere it was made. 

Philip Abbott, from Connecticut, was the first settler in " Deep 
Hollow," afterwards called " iSiocum Hollow," and now SCRAN- 
TON, and built a rude grist-mill upon Roaring Brook. 

1790. — The county being divided into townships, districts were 
formed for the election of Justices. At this period, the county con- 
tained eleven slaves and thirteen free colored persons. 

The first saw-mill built in Providence township. It was located 
on Meadow Brook, near Scmnton. 

1791. — The first President Judge for the county of Luzerne was 
Jacob Rush, and Matthias Hollenback was the first Associate. 

During this year a Court house and jail combined, erocted in the 
public square, Wilkes-Barre, on the site of the Old Fort. It was con- 
structed of hewn logs, 25x50, two story high, the first was used as a 
Jail and jailor's residence, and the jailor's good wife sold cakes and 
beer in the building, and it also served occasionally as a place of 
worship for some of the religious sects. 

1794.— A fatal form of typhus fever raged along the Susque- 
hanna. Whole families fell victims to it. 

1795.— This year, Louis P7iillipe, King of France, was a guest at 
the old Morgan House, River street, Wilkes-Barre, where Edward 
Darling's house now stands. 

Aaron Dolph, built for himself a log-house, where laterly stood 
the Hyde Park Hotel— and the first hotel or tavern was kept by his 
brother Jonathan. 



22 THE CENTENNIAL CHRONOLOGY 



All Ages, Sizes and Shapes, 
TASTES AND POCKETS 

can be suited with garments equal to Merchant Tailor- 
ing work, at prices that will suit the most fastidious and 
economical. The stock comprises the most complete 
and best made-up stock of clothing for Men's, Youths'' 
and Boys' wear, in Luzerne county. 

mmw i in isine ooom, 

comprising Shirts, Underwear, Collars, Suspenders, &c. 
We defy comjietition in quality, style and price. 

GOLDBERG'S 

]NTew Clothing Bazaar, 

COR. SOUTH MAIN AND NORTHAMPTON STS., 

- WILKES-BARRE, PA, 



JAS. DONALDSON, 

SAMPLE and DINING ROOMS. 

COR BROAD AND FILBERT STREETS, 

Directly opposite the Masonic Temple, and Citv Public Building, and 
1342 ARCH STREET, PHILADELPHIA. 

CHOICE WINES, LIQUORS AND SEGARS 

^P°" The Centennial Transfer Co's Coaches, start from here for the Exhibition 
grounds. 



HERMAN WEILLER, 

o? 
WEILLER & ELLIS, 

325 NORTH THIRD STREET, 

PHILADELPHIA. 



OF LUZERNE COUNTY. 23 



The first newspaper in the county " The Herald of the Times" 
was published in Wilkes-Barre. 

1797. — In June of this year the Duke of Orleans, Duke of Mont- 
pensier and the Count of Beaugolais, exiles from France, arrived-in 
Wilkes-Barre, and were accommodated in a small tavern on River 
street. 

1798. — Ebenezer and Benjman Siocum, whose father was shot 
and scalped by the Indians, became the purchasers of the land and 
grist-mill at Deep Hollow, hence, why it was afterwards known as 
Siocum Hollow. 

There were only two grist-mills from Nanticoke to the State line. 
A mail was run fortnightly between Wilkes-Barre and Great Bend. 

Wilkes-Barre, the Post office for the whole county. 

1799. — The first practical miner a Welshman named Abraham 
Williams, arrived in the Valley of Wyoming, prior to his advent 
coal was mined by removing the surface-earth and slate from the 
vein. It was simply quarrying for coal at a great cost if not loss 
to all parties interested. 

The Siocum' s having enlarged the mill in Siocum Hollow, added 
thereto a distillery; for whisky, like the " staff of life," was 
necessary to the existence of the early settlers, the only luxury, if 
it may be termed so, excepting the Virginia weed, or that of their 
own growth, they indulged in. In this epoch there were but pro- 
bably a dozen buildings of all kinds in the Hollow. 

Although rafts were numerous on the Snsquehanna during high 
water, the first ark passed down the river this year. 

A weekly mail route opened between Wilkes-Barre and Owego, 
N. Y. Mails were carried by postmen on horse and on foot. 

1800. — The men of the County, with but few exceptions, were ag- 
riculturists, and the women were manufacturers, that is, in addition 
to their legitimate household duties, they milked, churned, carded, 
spun, knit, and wove articles necessary for the use and wear of the 
family, and frequently assisted in field labor. They were helpmates 
indeed ! 



24 


THE CENTENNIAL CHRONOLOGY 




LEWIS LeGMND, 




SOUTH MAIN STREET, 



WILKES-BARRE, PA., 

CARRIAGE MANUFACTURER 



Has always on hand, of first class material and superior workmanship, th 
most popular style of 



PHOTONS, BUGGIES, 

ROAD AUD GEHMAHTOWK WAGONS 
8LEIGH8, &o. 

fi^° Particular Atttention paid to Repairing. 



i 



OV LUZERNE COUNTY. 25 



This year the contract for the building of the church "Old Ship 
Zion," was awarded to Joseph Hitchcock. It was to be built from 
subscriptions, and the proceeds from the sale of the public ferry, 
but owing to a lack of funds, twelve years elapsed ere it was com- 
pleted. 

The Slocum's erect an iron forge in the Hollow. The smelting 
was done by charcoal, coal not being in use for that purpose until 
thirtysir years later. 

Thus closed the eighteenth century, with but few if any other 
events of note to chronicle in the county's history, unless we 
except the construction of the beautiful road, six rods wide and 
five miles long, from "Wyoming to Kingston, for which we are 
indebted to the late Mr. John Jenkins, C. E * 

1802, — Turnpike roads came into requisition, when a charter was 
procured to construct the " Eastou and Wilkes-Barre turnpike." 
This road cost $75,000 and was a financial success. 

The settlement of Ragged Island, now Carbondale, by Dr. Ails- 
worth, of Rhode Island, occurred during this year. 

1804. — The old church, now at Forty Fort, was erected. It was 
the first finisJied church in the county. 

At this period there were six distilleries in Wilkes-Barre, " distil- 
leries are said to be the earliest institutions in the Valley." Men drank 
whisky freely, and women and children to some extent. It was a 
morning and evening beverage, in many cases no doubt, taken med- 
icinally. 

The first debating society in the county organized in this year at 
Wilkes-Barre. 

1805. — The first animal show, an elephant, exhibited in Wilkes- 
Barre. 

The Old Slocum House was the first frame building erected in 
Scranton, and the second built of like material was erected by Ben- 
jamin Slocum. 

*"Froni 1787 to 1800, the average annual expenditures of the county were 
$3,600, and the value of property for taxable purposes amounted to about $700,- 
000."— Annals of Lvzerne. 



2(j THE CENTENNIAL CHRONOLOGY 

LEWIS A. ARNOLD, 

The POPOLIH Hatter, 



151 SOUTH MAIN STREET, 
WILKES-BARRE. 



WEI^TZ & MITCHELL, 

Contractors and Excavators, 

SEWERAGE AND CELLARAGE A SPECIALTY. 

INQUIRE, FIRST NATIONAL BANK, 
PUBLIC SQUARE, WILKES-BARRE, PA. 



THE LARGEST STOCK OF 

Watches, American and French Clocks, 

FINE JEWELRY, 
Silver and Silver Plated Ware, 

EVER BROUGHT TO THIS CITY. 

The Latest Fashions in Jewelry. A full Hue of Bronze, Parian Ware, Gold 1 
Headed Canes, Spectacles. Opera Glasses, and Fancy Goods, in every 
style. Call and see the great variety and learn my 
prices, which I guarantee will please. 

REPAIRING NEATLY AND PROMPTLY DONE 

hy the most experienced workmen, and guaranteed to give satisfaction. 

C. W. FREEMAN, 

224 LACKAWANNA AVENUE, SORANTON, PA. 

(Adjoining Second National Bank.) 



ZEUNi; COUNTY. 



The old log Court House, Wilkes-Barre, was converted into an 
academy, it having beeu removed westward of the new Court 
House, a few feet. The first teacher was Dr. Thayer, who was 
followed by Mr. Finney, «m\ the latter by Mr. Garrick Mallery, 
under whom the school became celebrated as an institution of great 
learning, and students from home and abroad thronged its benches. 

1806.— The first white child born in Carbondale. This was on 
the spot now known a3 " Meredith Place," where Ails worth, the 
first settler ihure built his habitation. 

The Wilkes-Barre library formed, but it did not exist long. 

Wilkes-Barre Borough was incorporated this year, and the first 
Burgess was Judge Fell. 

A two-horse stage commenced running this year, between 
Wilkes-Barre and Easton, running through iu a day and a half, at 
$3.50 each passenger. 

1807. — Wilkes-Barre Bridge Company incorporated, but the 
bridge was not completed until eleven years later, and then at a cost 
of $44,000. 

About this time the old jail on East Market street was completed 
at a cost of nearly $6,000. Population of borough of Wilkes-Barre, 
from four to five hundred. 

Wilkes-Barre Academy incorporated. . 

1808. — Anthracite coal burned for the first time, as an experiment, 
in a hickory grate by Judge Fell, in the " old Fell Tavern," now on 
the corner of Washington and Northampton streets, Wilkes-Barre. 
This being a success it was soon noised abroad, iron grates were 
erected, and coal was soon afterwards transported to the large cities 
and other places for domestic use. 

1809.— The first Camp meeting in the county was held near the 
village of Wyoming, then called New Troy.* 

1810.— The first Banking House in Wilkes-Barre, opened as a 
branch of the Philadelphia Bank. 

In this year the Luzerne County Agricultural Society was first or- 
ganized for the advancement of the farming interest, but the first an- 
nual fair was not held until 48 years later, and then at Wyoming, on 



23 THE CENTENNIAL CHRONOLOGY 

JOSEPH BROWN, 

(Late Brown & Gray,) 

BANKER. 

SIGHT DRAFTS ON EUROPE. 

WEST MARKET STREET, WILKES-BARRE. 



N. P. JORDAN, 

Wholesale and Retail Dealer in 

Hats, Caps, Furs, Gloves, Umbrellas 

STKAW GOODS, &c. BUPPALO AND FANCY E0BE3. 

205 WEST MARKET STREET, WILKES-BARRE, PA. 



S. E. HUGEHS, 

Dealer in Foreign and Domestic 

Dry Goods, Notions & Fancy Goods. 

MOURNING GOODS A SPECIALTY. 
424 EAST MARKET STREET, 
WILKES-BARRE. 
|3P- QYMBU C0F1WCH AM Y LLE EWN. 



OF LUZERNE COUNTY. 



the present fair grounds, hence, it would appear that the farmers 
generally, did not take so much interest in farming as in coal land 
speculation and mining, and I may say, so has it been up to the pres- 
ent time. 

The government contracted to carry the mails, and Post offices 
were established at Plymouth, Kingston, and Pittston. 

A strip was taken from Luzerne county and added to Bradford 
and Susquehanna counties. 

1811, — The first nail factory erected in Wilkes-Barre. 

1812. — The first church erected and completed in the Public 
Square, Wilkes-Barre. Various sects worshipped therein, until the 
Methodists and Presbyterians could not agree — when it became the 
property of the former by purchase. 

The first paper mill erected on Toby's creek. 

War with England having been declared, the " Wyoming Mat- 
rass," Capt. S. Thomas, a volunteer company, the first military 
company in the county, tendered their services to the government ; 

They served in a Pennsylvania regiment with distinction. 

1813. — Two four horse wagon loads of coal sent to Philadelphia. 
This was the first large quantity sent from the valley to that city. 

1815. — Where Scranton proper stands now, was a wilderness. 

1817. — A company incorporated to make the Lackawanna river 
navigable, it was not a success. 

1819. — Mr. H. W. Drinker, anxious to develop the resources of 
the county, proposed to erect an inclined plane railroad from Pitt- 
ston to the Delaware Water Gap, to be operated by hydraulic 
power. 

1822.— St. Stephens' Episcopal church, Wilkes-Barre, was com- 
pleted. 

Maurice Wurts, the first person to mine coal in Carbondale, then 
called " Ragged Island." 

Note.— Mr. Wurts, from 1812, was the pioneer coal man of the Lackawanna 
Valley, and owned large tracts of land, which were worth then, or rather could 
be bought, at from fifty cents to $3.00 per acre, he owned and mined coal from 
the ground whereon the City of Carbondale is now located. 



THE CENTENNIAL CHRONOLOGY 



J. H. NEAGLE, 

Has a splendid assortment of 

Jloths, Cassimeres, Worsteds and Testings, 

OF THE LATEST STYLES AND PATTERNS. 

l GOOD FIT GUARANTEED. CALL AND SEE HIM. 

121 South MAIN Street. 

"Wilkes-I=>arre ? Pa. 



J. W. DAViES, 

Cash Dealer in 

Dry Goods, Notions, Hosiery, &c. 

SOUTH MAIN STREET, 
PITTSTON, PA. 



WM. STODDART & CO., 

jrrocers & Commission Merchants, 

NO. 133 SOUTH MAIN STREET, 

WILKES-BARRE. 

VM. STODDART. JNO. STODDART. 

IG. FREEMAN & CO., 

WHOLESALE AND RETAIL DEALERS IN 

FOEEIGN AND DOMESTIC 

WINES, LIQUORS & CIGARS, 

Cor. S. Main and Northampton Sts„ WILKES-BAEEE, PA. 



OF LUZERNE COUNTY. 81 



1823. — The first organ in the county was placed in St. Stephen's 
church, Wilkes-Barre, and the first tune played was Yankee Doodle. 

1824. — A terrific hurricane carried the Wilkes Barre bridge from 
off its piers a distance up the river. 

1824, — The first river boat propelled by horse-power, arrived in 
"Wilkes-Barre from Nescopeck. 

The first brewery erected in Wilkes-Barre by an Englishman 
named Ingham. 

1826. — The first steamboat drawing 8 inches water, with an en- 
gine of 10 horse power, (stern wheel,) arrived in Wilkes-Barre from 
York Haven. 

The borough of Wilkes-Barre limits 250 acres, 40 of the river 
bank washed away by freshets in fifty yearn. 

1828. — Coal mined near the east end of Pittston bridge. 

1829. — The coal trade increasing rapidly, the Baltimore coal 
company organized. 

The first bank, "Wyoming Bank," at Wilkes-Barre, chartered. 

1830, — The first canal boat named the "Wyoming," launched at 
Wilkes-Barre. 

1831. — The first odd fellows lodge in the county, held at Wilkes- 
Barre. 

1832.— The first newspaper published in Kingston, was the 
"Wyoming Republican." 

1833. — The first steam engine manufactured in the county was 
made in Wilkes-Barre, by Richard Jones, a young man of much 
mechanical ability. This, however, was in miniature, the C3 T linder 
being only 1% inches in diameter, with a three inch stroke, it never- 
theless, propelled a paddle-wheel boat, 6^ feet long on the canal at 
a rapid speed. • 

1834. — The north branch canal completed to the Lackawanna river. 

1835. — Frances Slocum, who with another, was carried away by 
the Indians from her father's residence in the Valley of Wyoming, 
immediately after the battle, is found among the Miami tribe of In- 
dians at Logansport, Indiana. She had been brought up by the 
Indians, and was married to a chief, by whom she had two daugh- 



32 THE CENTENNIAL CHRONOLOGY 

[ESTABLISHED 1853.] 

C. LAW & CAMPBELL, 

^Sneces?ors to C. Law & Co.,) 
DEALERS IN 

GENERAL ill GOODS, 

BOOTS AMD SHOES, 

Carpets, Crockery, Groceries and Provisions. 

AGENTS FOE THE ATLANTIC STEAMSHIP GO'S. 
MAIN AND BROAD STS., 

PITTSTON, PA. 



CRAMER & GOLDSMITH, 

WYOMING ONE PRICE 

Comer Lackawanna and Wyoming Avenues, SORAUTOIn", PA, 



WHOLESALE AND RETAIL. 



A. M. FELL, 

Dealer in 

WALL PAPER, WINDOW SHADES, PAINTS, OILS, 
VARNISHES, GLASS AND PUTTY. 
153 South Main Street, WILKES-BARRE, PA. 
|^~ Paper Hanging, Decorating Houses and Sign Painting done promptly 
and in a workmanlike manner, 



OP LUZERNE COUNTY. 33 



ters, was highly respected and wealth}', and preferred living among? 
the tribe to joining her family again. She was visited by hu 
brothers to whom she gave an account of her captivity. 

1836. — A small charcoal furnace erected on Toby's creek, nc. : 
the site of the old paper mill. 

Mr. J. J. Albright was tendered 500 acres of land where Scr.m- 
ton now stands for $5,000; yet, although long credit was offered, it 
was considered too high a price. 

The first serviceable engine of 15 horse-power was manufactured 
in Wilkes-Barre, for a grist mill at Plymouth. 

1838. — The bones of the slain at the Wyoming massacre being 
collected together, they were deposited in the ground, and the cor- 
ner stone of the Wyoming Monument was laid with appropriate 
ceremonies. 

1839. — Wilkes-Barre Female Seminary incorporated. 

Wyoming Acadenaj r , formerly Wilkes-Barre, incorporated. 

1840. — An extensive rolling mill and nail factory erected at 
South Wilkes-Barre, at a cost of $300,000. The population of 
Wilkes-Barre increased rapidly during the very short time these 
works were in operation. 

Messrs. Henry and Armstrong purchased 503 acres of the Scran- 
ton lands for $8,000, but owing to the death of the latter within 30 
days of the purchase, Mr. Henry entered into other arrangements, 
and the place of his deceased partner was filled by the late Colonel 
Scranton and others, who commenced forthwith to erect a large 
furnace, which soon gave inspiration and another name to Slocum 
Hollow, the most humble of all the villages of its day in the county. 

This year Madison and Muehlenburg Academies were incorpo- 
rated. 

In the days of "hard cider," Capoose, afterwards Deep Hollow, 
and later Slocum Hollow, was in honor of the President of the 
United States named Harrison. 

1842. — Another strip taken from Luzerne to form the county 
of Wyoming. 

The first baloon ascension in Wilkes-Barre, the aeronaut was 
Wm. Wise. 



g4 THE CENTENNIAL CHRONOLOGY 



S. B. MOORE & CO., 

DEALERS IN 

f ®xe£pi aal BemestlA !ij €«<ils, 

and Manufacturers of 
LADIES' AND CHILDRENS' SUITS. 



LEWIS COHEN, 
Merchant Tailor, 

DEALER IN 

Eats, Caps ana Gents' Furnishing Goods. 

Jo. 65 SOUTH MAIN ST., HTTSTOM PA. 

JAMES HILL, 

WHOLESALE DEALER IN 

GRAIN, FLOUR, FEED, BALED HAY AND STRAW, 

BUTTER, EGGS, Etc. 
CAR LOTS A SPECIALTY. 

MAIN STREET, 
PITTSTON, PA> 



OF LUZERNE COUNTY. 35 



A New York firm, erected in Wilkes-Barre, an anthracite fur- 
nace, operated by steam power. 
Providence Union Library incorporated. 
July 11. — White Haven borough incorporated. 
1843. — The first railroad (L. C. & N. 0.) completed by way of 
Solomon's Gap, from Wilkes-Barre to White Haven. 

A rolling mill and uail factory erected by the Scranton Iron Co., 
commenced work, which led to large investments being made in 
coal lands. 

At this time the village of Harrison had no post office, while 
Hyde Park and Providence had, nor had the village a minister, 
lawyer, or physician. 

1844. — September 24. The Kingston Seminary was formally 
opened, with the Rev. R. Nelson, A. M., as principal, and in seven 
years later Mr. William S wetland, contributed $3,000 to erect an 
additional building, which was known as "Swetland Hall," and Mr. 
Ziba Bennett contributed $500 towards a library, but unfortunately 
in 1853, these buildings were consumed by fire, when Mr. Swetland 
and others again came to the rescue and donated about $10,000 to 
rebuild them. 

1845.— Dr. Gideon Underwood, the first resident physician in 
Harrison, (Scranton.) 
Wyoming Athoeneura incorporated. 
Wyoming Seminary O. A. C. M. E. C. incorporated. 
1846. — A great and disastrous flood occurred, which carried away 
many valuable bridges erected over the Susquehanna. 

December 7. — The Wyoming Artillerists, under command of 
Captain E. L. Dana, left Wilkes-Barre for the seat of war in 
Mexico. The majority returned with Captain Dana still in com- 
mand, after an absence of nearly three years, covered with honor 
and glory. 

1847.— The first T rails made in Harrison (Scranton) were for 
the N. Y. & Erie R. R. 

1848.— The first drug store opened in Harrison by Drs. Throop 
and Sherrerd. 



36 THE CENTENNIAL CHRONOLOGY 



GO TO 

SAMTER, 

SQUARE DEALING 

CLOTHIER, 

FOR GOOD, DURABLE GARMENTS AT ONE PRICE, 
VALLEY HOUSE BLOCK, SORANTON. 

W. H. WHYTE, 

DEALER IN 

WINES, LIPGRS. 

Imported § Domestic Cigars, 

GUINNESS'S STOUT, BASS' AND ALSOPPS ALES, FROM 
THE WOO© AND IN BOTTLE. 

WHYTE'S CENTENNIAL CYMRIC BITTER. 
AN EXCELLENT TONIC. 

Particular attention paid to Family Trade. 

317 LACKAWANNA AVENUE, SOKANTON PA. 



R. D. WILLIAMS, 

Main Street, PLYMOUTH, Luzerne County, Pa. 

CHEMIST AND DRUGGIST, 

Proprietor of "WILLIAMS' BTLLIOUS AND LIVES PILLS," and " SAR- 
AXCUM or DANDELION COFFEE," 



OF LUZERNE COUNTY. 87 



1849. — The first person executed under Pennsylvania law, and 
since the organization of the county, was James Cadden, for the 
murder of Daniel GiJligan. 

Lackawanr<a Institute incorporated. 

March 14. — Providence borough incorporated 

1850. — Wilkes-Barre Water Company incorporated, the first 
pipe was laid in 1859, and the water was turned on in 1860. 

The Wyoming Institute, in Wyoming village, was incorporated. 

The first newspaper published in Pittston was the "Pittston 
Gazette." 

Luzerne Presbyterian Institute incorporated. 

Pittston Ferry Bridge Company incorporated. 

1851. — The plank road from Wilkes-Barre to Pittston, construct- 
ed at an outlay of $45,000, it did not last long. 

March . — City Carbondale incorporated. 

Columbus Male and Female Academy incorporated. 

1852. — Hyde Park Academy incorporated. 

May 14. — Hyde Park Borough incorporated. 

1853. — Clark's Green Library and Literary Company incorpor- 
ated 

Jenkin's Institute of History and Science incorporated. 

Wyoming Seminary W. A. C. M. E. C. incorporated. 

Pittston Borough incorporated. 

1854.— The Wilkes-Barre Female Institute incorporated and 
opened. 

The first gas works, the Wilkes-Barre Gas Company incorpor- 
porated. The borough was first lighted in 1856. 

1855.— Mr. Grimmer, of Brooklyn. N. Y., commenced laying out 
the grounds at Hollenback Cemetery. 

The Scranton Institute incorporated, 

1856,— The first R. C. Church in Wilkes-Barre, was erected on 
Canal street. The preseut large and handsome structure, on 
Washington street, was completed three years ago. 

July 14. — Scranton Borough incorporated. 

August 17. — Hazleton Borough incorporated. 



88 THE CENTENNIAL CHRONOLOGY 



S. S. HULL, 
ARTISTIC PHOTOGRAPHER, 

PORTRAITS IN OIL, CRAYON, or WATER COLORS, 

JPortrait Grlaoes a Specialty. 

If you want a First-class and artistic Picture of Yourself or Friend, 
GO TO HULL'S. 



IF YOU WANT A FINE OIL PAINTING, GO TO HULL'S. 

If you want a Beautiful GEAY01T POETEAIT, go to HULL'S. 
You can get any Style of Picture known to the art finished in 
the most artistic manner at HULL'S. 
209 LAOKAWAMA AVE., SCKAETOff, PA. 

Manufactory, Wyoming, Luzerne county, near "Wyoming Monument, 

Tlaycock~& CROU iSE , 




Manufacturers and Dealers in first-class 



€lBBUfiE8 v BOWIES, gUEKHg 

Of the most Approved Pattern and Latest Style, 

And all kinds of LIGHT VEHICLES. 
REPAIRING NEATLY DONE ON REASONABLE TERMS, 



OP LUZERNE COUNTY. dd 

The corner stone of the present Court House, Wilkes-Barre, was 
laid by Lodge No. 64, A. Y. M., it was completed in January, 1850, 
at a cost of $85,000, and probably as much more has been expended 
since in enlarging and alterations. 

1857— The Are department was re-organized by C. C. Plotz. 

The first insurance company in the county, the Wyoming In- 
surance Company, incorporated. 

August 19.— West Pittston Borough incorporated. 

1858.— The first newspaper published in Plymouth was "The 
Plymouth Register." 

On the 11th of February, this year, several gentlemen met at 
the " Old Fell Tavern," Wilkes-Barre, to celebrate the fiftieth anni- 
versary of the burning of anthracite coal, in an open grate ; when 
it w as proposed to establish a historical society, iu the following 
May the present society was incorporated. 

August 23. — Waverly Borough incorporated. 

The Wyoming Literary Institute incorporated. 

1861.— November 30. — Shickshinny Borough incorporated. 

The great war for the preservation of the Union commenced; 
and on April 18th, the first military company (three months men) 
left Wilkes-Barre for the front, agreeable to a call for troops by the 
government. Other companies soon followed from Pittston, Ply- 
mouth and other places in the county. 

The highest ice flood for fifty years occurred this year in the 
Susquehanna, it done immense damage. 

1862. — April 10. — Dunmore Borough incorporated. 

1865.— March 17th.— Another great flood in the Susquehanna 
river; houses, barns, canal boats, lumber, trees, fences, cattle, 
horses, sheep, pigs and chickens, and other valuable property was 
swept away by the current. 

This year terminated the war for the Union, and although it had 
to be sustained by both men and money, the country had, during 
the time, a continual run of prosperity. 

1866— The Wyoming Valley Hotel, on the site of the old 
" Phoenix," Wilkes Barre, completed at a cost, including furniture, 
&c, of $175,000. 



40 THE CENTENNIAL CHRONOLOG* 



AR OL BWYTA STCHED SYDD. 



The "RUSH HOUSE 



if 
I 



807 ARCH STREET, above 8th f 
PHILADELPHIA, 

EL P. EEED, Propr., 

LADIES' AND GENTS' RESTAURANT, 

PUBLIC AND PRIVATE DINING ROOMS. 

DEALER IN 

Fine Wines, Spirits, Ale, Beer, Porter, 
Mineral Waters and Cigars. 



Cars pass the door to and from the Exposition in Fainnount 
Park. 



Oft LUZERNE COUNTY. 41 



North Eastern School of Design, for women, incorporated. 

West Pittston Seminary incorporated. 

Wilkes-Barre Law and Library Association incorporated. 

April 23.— City of Scranton incorporated, formed out of the 
boroughs, Scranton, Hyde Park and Providence. 

Plymouth Borough incorporated. 

Scranton and Hyde Park Bridge incorporated. 

1867. — April. A most disastrous conflagration occurred in 
West Market street, Wilkes-Barre, 19 stores and 3 dwellings were 
consumed by the fiery element. 

Scranton Lyceum incorporated. 

April 3d. — Sugar Notch Borough incorporated. 

1868.— Pittston Depot Bridge incorporated. 

Keystone Academy incorporated. 

Luzerne County Agricultural Society exempted from taxation.* 

1869. — The Avondale disaster, whereby over 100 men and boys 
lost their lives by the works taking fire. 

Scranton Law and Library Association incorporated. 

Sugar Loaf Seminary incorporated. 

1870. — The new couuty prison csmplcted at a cost of $300,000. 
First prisoners entered August 19. 

Avondale Relief Association incorporated. 

January 3d. — Gibsonburg borough incorporated. 

1871. — Music Hall block, Wilkes-Barre, completed at a cost of 
$120,000, the opera house was opened by Louise Kellogg, in con- 
cert, February 2. 

Lee Park Association incorporated. 

March 4th. — City of Wilkes-Barre incorporated. 

The first Mayor of Wilkes-Barre, I. M. Kirkendall, elected. 

Crystal Lake Steamboat Company incorporated. 

May 24th. — Pleasant Valley borough incorporated. 

October 23d. — Jeddo borough incorporated. 

May 12th. — Gouldsboro incorporated. 

♦Note.— It is much to be regretted that the Fair ground at Wyoming is not 
better patronized, delightfully situated as it is, with access from the north and 
eonth over one of the finest roads in the country. 



& THE CENTENNIAL CHRONOLOGY 



DR. J. L VALENTINE. 

No. 102 NORTH MAIN STREET, 

WILSES-BAEEE, PA., 

°?^4 is P rofe ^?ional services to the citizens of Wilkea-Barre and neighborhood. 
^^Preservation of the natural teeth a specialty. 

thFcTtOash storH 

The above STORE is situated on NORTH MAIN 
STREET, in the city of 

WILKES-BARRE, 

204 an< ^ tn © number is 204. 

$W A large stock of Groceries at prices that will defy compe- 
tition. 



A. B. ROEVSMEL & CO., 

PITTSTON, PA„ 

FL01ISTS | HGlTICUlTUEISf S 

•WHOLESALE DEALERS IN FLOWERS, PLANTS, HERBS AND VEGETABLES, 

BOQUETS, FLORAL WREATHS AND OTHER DESIGNS PROMPTLY 
SUPPLIED. 

F. EOMMEL & CO., 

WHOLESALE 

PRODUCE MERCHANTS, 

AND DEALERS IN ALL KINDS OF 

FRUITS, AND VEGETABLES, BUTTER, CHEESE, 
EGGS AND OYSTERS, CANNED GOODS, DO- 
MESTIC FRUITS, FLOWERS AND BED- 
DING PLANTS ON HAND. 
POTATOES, APPLES, ETC., AT CAR LOAD RATES. 
129 ¥. MAEKET ST., WILKES-BAEEE, PA. 



OF LUZKBNK COUNTY. 48 

1873. — Pittston Library Association incorporated. 

Hazleton Park incorporated. 

1874— The steamboat " Hendrick B. Wright," (Incorporated 
company), built and completed, to ply between Wilkes-Barre and 
Nanticoke. 

April 24 — Ashley borough incorporated. 

January 31. — Nanticoke borough incorporated. 

1875. — In the spring of this year a terrible ice freshet, an avet- 
lancTie in itself, done great damage to the land on both sides «f the 
Susquehanna river, and in its course carried away three bridges at 
Pittston. 

The ice broke up with a neise resembling the roar of artillery, 
while the huge pieces rose high' above the river bank, and carried 
away all that they came in contact with ; yet, destructive and 
threatening as it was, the sight was, nevertheless, as grand as it was 
terrible, and not in the memory of the oldest inhabitant had such a 
sight occurred before. 

The beautiful side-wheel steamboat, " Owego," purchased by 
Messrs Sniffer & Smith, arrived in Pittston from Owego to ply 
between Pittston, Wilkes-Barre, Plymouth and Nanticoke.* 

Cities of fecranton and Carbondale Mayor's Court abolished by 
the adoption of the New Constitution. 

The Cliff works of the Dickson Manufacturing Company de- 
stroyed by fire. 

The High Sheriff called to suppress a riot at Buck Mountain. 

The Sportmens' Club, of Scranton organized. 

Judge Woodward died in Rome. 

An immense Wehhl*EisUddfod\ held in Hyde Park, Scranton, 
over 5,000 persons were comfortably seated in the great Marquee, 
the programme occupied three days. 

♦Note.— Steamboats, like the old adage, "It never rains but pours," soon 
became legion, there being no less than a dozen of various size and style at this 
present time floating on the bosom of the tranquil but deceptive Susquehanna. 
To use a commercialiphrase " the market is glutted." 

tEisteddfod is the Welsh for Congress, a meeting of bards, ©r learned people, 
who, in the delivery of essays, singing, music, <fec, before competent judges, 
compete for prizes of more or less value. 



44 r KE centennial chronology 

CRANDALI 

EAST MARKET STREET, 
WILKES-BARRE, PA.j 

Manufacturer, Wholesale and Retail 



A *> 



DEALER IN" 



IMPORTED AND DOMESTIC 

CIGARS. 

A. M. BRYDEN, 

MANTTFACTUR3E OF 

Soda and Seltzer Waters, Ginger- Ale and 
Root Beer, 

Bottler and Wholesale Dealer in 

ALE, BEER, PORTER, &c. 

MANUFACTORY CANAL STREET, 
WILKES-BARRE, PA. 



OP LUZERNE COUNTY. 45 



Pittston depot bridge, as also the Pittston L & B. B. Railroad 
bridge were rebuilt this year. 

The coal mined in the county during this year is estimated at 
12,000,000 tons, or more than half of the entire product of the 
anthracite region, and if the waste lost in the preparation of coal for 
market was included, it would swell the amount to about 15,000,- 
000 tons actually mined. 

The getting of this enormous amount of coal, gives employment 
to upwards of 30,000 men and boys in and around the mines, who 
receive for their labor from one million and a half te two million 
dollars per montn. 



1876. 



During the forepart of this eventful year, was built ©f iron, and 
completed, the Pittston Ferry Bridge, a very handsome structure, 
combining beauty with strength ; the east end lands on Main street 
many feet beyond and above where the old bridge did, the L. V. 
R. R. passing directly underneath. 

The Wilkes-Barre City Hospital was also built and completed 
this year, on grounds overlooking Hollenback Cemetery and the 
Susquehanna river, a very desirable location. 



County Statistics.— Luzerne furnished the territory for Susquehanna 
conntyin 1810, and for Wyoming county in 1S42. Luzerne was formed from a 
part of Northumberland in 1786, having theu but a population of about 4,000, 
In 1810, when Susquehanna was formed, Luzerne's population was 18,000, 
7,000 of which she gave to Susquehanna. In 1842, when Wyoming was formed. 
Luzerne's population was 44,000, 10.000 of which she gave to Wyoming. There 
are nine counties in the State which surpass Luzerne in the number of her 
manufacturing establishments, and but two— Philadelphia and Allegheny— 
' .hich surpass her in the value of her manufactured products. There are in the 
county 194,115 acres of improved, and 174.381 acres of unimproved agricultural 
lands, and the farms are valued at nearly $20,000,000. The value of the agricul- 
tural products of 1875 are estimated at $8,500,000,.— Hazleton Sentinel. 



46 THE CENTENNIAL CHRONOLOGY 



OES Y BYD IR IAETE CYMRAEG. 



S. E. HUGHES, 

424 EAST MARKET STREET, (Jennings' Block.) 

WILKES-BARRE, PA. 

Always on Hand, a Large Stock op Dry Goods, 
At Prices as Cheap as the Cheapest. 

After a thorough examination in all the lead- 

T51 <5 r*\r A 1 Y\4 r>*i o * D & nonpeiB of New York, we guarantee our 

JDlcLC Xl Hi UclCclb. brand to be equal if net superior to any in the 

* Market. 

~ , The beet $1.00 corsets in the City for Nikxty-Fitk cents ; 

UOrSGTiS also ' thie 50 and 10 ° bone coreets at Manufacturers Prices, i» 

v wi ww uwi which we defy competition. 



A FULL LINE OF FLANNELS, BLANKETS, SHEETING, NOTIONS, 
FANCY GOODS, HOSIERY, KID GLOVES, LADIES' AND GENTS' 
UNDERWARE, ETC., ETC., 



FOR LINEN GOODS. We can't be beat in this line 
No goods misrepre 
money every time. 



XxGSLClQ H3.rX6rS ^° £ 00( * 8 misrepresented. You get the worth of your 



ti^- MOURNING GOODS A SPECIALTY. 
I INVITE PUBLIC INSPECTION. 

Respe otfu.ll y , 

S. E. HUGHES. 



OF LUZERNE COUNTY. 47 



A^FEISTDIX. 



"Breathes there a Yank so mean, bo small, 

Who never says ' Wall, neow ; by gaul. 

I reckon, since old Adam's fall. 

There's never growed on this 'ere ball 

A nation so all-fired tall 

As we Centennial Yankees ?' " 



The writer deems it not improper that the events chronicled 
herein during a century of time, should be followed by a few perti- 
nent remarks on subjects, which would otherwise occupy more 
time and space than could be very well given in a werk of this 
kind ; indeed, it is not to be presumed that every incident, that has 
occurred in the county during a hundred years, have been chronicled 
in these pages, but orily such as were deemed most interesting 
to the general reader, he would, however, remark that the territory, 
now comprising the County of Luzerne, especially that of the Wy- 
oming Valley, was settled by white people several years prior to 
" 1876," the opening date of these " Chronological Events," (p. 7). 

It was in the year 1842 that Teedyuscung, King of the Delawares, 
and his tribe left the banks of the Delaware to settle in Wyoming, 
for whom the proprietary government built houses near Wilkes- 
Barre, and it was in the same year that Count Zinzindorf, the Mo- 
ravian missionary, who, as already stated, was the "first white man," 
to visit the Valley (note, p. 7), also arrived on a visit to the Shawa- 
nese tribe, with whom he succeeded in obtaining friendly inter- 
course. 

Twenty years later a Mr. John Jenkins and others, members of 
the " Connecticut Susquehanna Company," eight hundred and forty 



48 THE CENTENNIAL CHRONOLOGY 



Circulation 10,000. 
THE SUNDAY fyiOFtNBNG 

FREE PRESS, 

(Established June 4th, 1872.) 

Independent, Radical and Eight. 

SCRANTON, PA. 



Delivered by its own Pony Express in every City, 
Town and Hamlet, within a radius of 25 miles of the 
publication office, simultaneously with its delivery in 
Scranton. Single copy 5 cents. $2.00 per annum. 



SEETHE BEST ADVEETISING MEDIUM IS LUZERNE^H 
COUNTY. 



OF LUZERNE COUNTY. 49 



in number, arrived and took peaceable possession of the " Susque- 
hanna lands" under a charter granted the Colony of Connecticut by 
King Charles II, but, in the following year they were attacked by 
Indians, who murdered many of their number and drove the re- 
mainder away. 

After this sanguinary event six years elapsed ere an attempt was 
made by the Yankees to gain possession of their lands and tenements, 
(p. 7), and when they did, it was to find them in the possession of 
the Proprietary Government, who held them under a charter also 
granted by Charles II, in 1681, to Wiiliam Penn (:>. 19), backed by 
a deed of purchase recently obtained from the Chiefs of tlie Six Na- 
tion* " of all the lands, not previously sold, within the province of 
Pennsylvania." This event inaugurated, in the following year 
(1770), the " Pennamite war," (p. 7), in which year the township of 
Wilkes-Barre was surveyed, and the plot for the village of Wilkes- 
Barre was laid out, the name being derived from the union of the 
surnames of two popular gentlemen named Wilkes and Barre 

The year 1772 was to the settlers a very prosperous year, and the 
population increased rapidly. 

During the intervening years and 1775, places of business were 
established in Wilkes-Barre, marriages were celebrated, and although 
the disputed title had not been settled, a Code of Laws were adopted 
at Hartford, Connecticut, for the government of the settlement, 
and thus matters progressed until early in the month of December, 
1775, when the Northumberland militia, 700 strong, in the interest 
of the Pennamites, invaded the valley. They were met by a force 
of half their number, who signally defeated them and compelled 
them to beat a hasty retreat, leaving their dead and wounded on the 
battle field, near Nanticoke Falls. This was the last hostile attempt 
on the part of the Pennamites to regain possession of the lauds in 
dispute (p. 17). Such is a brief history of the events which occurred 
in the county prior to 1776. 

The writer would further remark that there have been, and, pro- 
bably there are now in the county, upwards of ffty Building and 
Loan Associations, seventy beneficial, eighteen cemetery, four com- 



50 THE CENTENNIAL CHRONOLOGY 



"THE PEOPLE," 

Published by Walter H. Hibbs ; 

AT WILKES-BARRE, PA., 
"Weekly, at $1.00 per Year. 



The only paper in Luzerne county that dared expose the corruption in the 
Court House, and the only paper that published the official testimony be- 
fore the Auditors which convicted the thieves. 



Independent in all things— Controlled by no Party, Clique, Factiok, Ring 
or Officeholder. 



B PR1N 



Steam Power and every facility for Job Printing of all kinds and in any 
quantity. 

Office— BUTLER AVENUE, (A few steps from Public Square.) 

WALTER H. HIBBS, Publisher. 



OF LUZERNE COUNTY. 51 



mercial, sixteen co-operative, and about one hundred and forty-three 
churches and religious associations (more or less.) 

There are also in the county about forty banking houses, twelve 
insurance companies, twenty-four water and gas, and at one time 
about two hundred coal companies, most ot the latter are, however, 
now merged into larger companies and under different corporate 
names. 

And among the latter deserving special ment'on are the Delaware & 
Hudson ; Delaware, Lackawanna & Western; Pennsylvania; Lehigh dft 
Wilhes-Barre and Susquehanna Companies. The two former rank as 
the most extensive and oldest incorporated companies in the coal 
fields of Pennsylvania. 

And among the leading industries of the county, mention might 
be made of the Lackawanna Iron and Coal Company, Scran- 
ton, which gives employment to 3.000 men and boys. Their new 
steel works, for the manufacture of steel rails is the second largest in 
the United States. 

The Dickson Manufacturing Company, in Scranton and Wilkes- 
Barre, and the Hazard Wire Rope Company, also the Vulcan Iron 
Works, and the Wyoming Valley Manufacturing Company, at 
Wilkes-Barre, together with numerous other works, also employ a 
great number of people ; indeed, in prosperous times the hum of the 
Wheel of Industry could be heard from one epd of the county to 
the other, and it is to be hoped that the cause, be what it may, 
which paralyzes labor at this present time, will soon be over, and 
that once more the machinery of the county will again hum tlie tune, 
"GOOD TIMES." 



N. B. — Several copies of the " Centennial Chronology of 
the County of Luzerne and its Coal Fields," by W E. W., 
have been deposited in the Archives of the United States Centennial 
Commission, Philadelphia. 



52 THH CENTENNIAL CHRONOLOGY 



THE LUZE1ME LEADER 

A NEW, BRIGHT AND SPICY PAPER. 

ONLY A DOLLAR A YEAR. 

ONLY A DOLLAR A YEAR. 



THE RACIEST EDITORIALS. 

THE BRIGHTEST LOCALS. 

THE HAPPIEST SELECTIONS. 

THE CHOICEST MISCELLANY. 

THE PUREST TONE THROUGHOUT 
Of any Paper Published in the County. 



A Live Paper Printed for People of To-day. 

IT IS BOUND TO FIND A PLACE IN EVERY HOME CORNER. 

m~ THE ATTENTION OF ADVERTISERS IS PARTICU- 
LARLY CALLED TO THIS FACT. 

NIVEN & CHAMBERLAIN, Publishers, 

PITTSTON, PA. 



OP LUZERNE COUNTY. 



58 



LUZERNE COUNTY GOVERNMENT. 

[elected officers.] 



Office. 
President Judge, 

Law Judges, i 

Associate Judge, 
District Attorney, 
High Sheriff, 
Prothonotary, 
Clerk of Courts, 
Register of Wills, 
Recorder of Deeds, 
Treasurer, 

Commissioners, 



Auditors, 
Coroner, 



Incumbent. 

Hon. G. M. Harding, 
" E. L. Dana, 
" John Handley, 
" D. K. Morss, 

Alexander Farnham, 

W. P. KlRKENDALL, 

S. W. Trimmer, 

M. ZrMMERMAN, 

j. k. bogert, 
Otto Kaiser, 
John McNeish, Jr., 
N. N. Dean, 
Samuel Line, 
Peter Jennings, 
W. E. Whyte, 
J. C. Coon, 
G. B. Squiers, 
D. Prendergabt, 



Term Expires, 
January 1, 1880. 
1878. 
1885. 

1877. 

1878. 

1877. 
<( 

1879. 



1" 



54 THE CENTENNIAL CHRONOLOGY 



ASA & GEORGE HALL, 

KEIL ESTATE AGENTS 

19 PARK PLAGE, NEW Y0KK CITY. 



NEWHOUSE, 

fkt- Htftlkiat Tailed, 

Always keeps on hand a fine assortment of 

French, English and American Fabrics. 

PENN AVENUE, opposite St. Charles Hotel, 

SCEANTON, IP.A. 

E. C. WASSER, 

(LATE PROPRIETOR EXCHANGE HOTEL,) 

SAMPLE g 1IMJA1B SALOON, 

EAST SIDE OF PUBLIC SQUARE, 

(ADJOINING EXCHANGE HOTEL.) 

WILKES-BARRE, PA. 



OF LUZERNE COUNTY. 55 



ERRATA. 



CHRONOLOGICAL EVENTS. 



Introductory. — Thirteenth line read " that man" &c. 

Nrte, page 7. — The name " Seahaufowano" Hollister ', in his " His- 
tory of the Lackawanna Valley," applies to Wyomkk, Wyamack, 
Wyomink and lastly Wyoming. 

Page 11. — For manufacture read manufacturers. 

Note, page 17.— Since this Note was put in type the writer has 
been informed that the altitude of Iladeton is greater than that of 
North Mountain. 

Page 28. — " Hugehs" read Hughes. (See advertisement page 46). 

Page 87 —City of Carbondale was incorporated March 15, 1851. 

APPENDIX. 

Page 47.— For " 1876" read 1776, and for " 1842" read 1742. 
i< .. — Tedyuscung became King of the Delaicares some years 
after their arrival in Wyoming, probably in 1755, he succeeded their 
great Sachem Tadame, who was murdered probably for being 
friendly to the white people. In April, 1763, Teedyuscung was also 
murdered in cold blood, his house was set on fire, and he perished 
in the flames. 

The Delawaree, Shawanese, Mohicans, Monseys, Nanticokes, Wa- 
amies, and probably portions of other tribes, inhabited the Wyoming 
and Lackawanna valleys, and other places within the present ter- 
ritory of the county of Luzerne, as abject subjects of the Six or 
United Nations, and, iu Vie language of Hollister, " they paid tribute 
to the Tartars of the Western World at Onandago." 



ALEXANDER GOTTIG, 

GENERAL 

ENGRAVER, 

204 MAEKET STEEET, (First floor above.) 

WILKES-BARRE, PA. 



DESIGNS PKOMPTLY EXECUTED. 

§y Please stale where you saw this. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 





014 312 868 4 



